Page 24 of Wildflower Hearts
He kept his eyes on the TV screen. “I didn’t peg you as a Nirvana fan.”
“I had a roommate who loved them back in college. Are you a huge fan?” He changed the channel. He stopped on another music video by some band she didn’t recognize. She shifted beside him, clearing her throat as silence crawled between them. Her fingers tapped on the sides of her thighs. “Did you eat already? Need any medication or-”
“I’m fine.”
“Well, if you want, I can-”
“We’re not at the hospital anymore. There’s no need to hover over me.”
“Noah, I-”
“Forget it, okay? Leave me alone for a little bit.” He shoved off the couch, moving too fast, and hissed between his teeth. His right hand clutched at his shoulder.
She sprung to her feet and wrapped an arm around his waist. She steadied him with her free hand on his chest, spreading her feet for balance, most of his weight leaning against her. “It’s okay. Just breathe.”
The muscle in his cheek jumped as he clenched his jaw, but he nodded, his hand resting over hers.
“Noah, you okay?” Elias was suddenly at their side, a concerned look on his face, with Mark and Debra close behind him.
Stepping away from Lyla, he nodded. “Yeah, I got up too fast, that’s all.”
“Good thing my girl is here to look after your ass,” Elias teased, ruffling Noah’s hair with a grin. He threw an arm around Lyla to bring her close. “We might have to start paying you extra for taking care of Noah here.”
“No extra pay needed,” she whispered. Noah’s gaze found hers. “I’m concerned because I care, not because it’s my job.”
“You’re one of a kind.” Elias pressed a kiss against her temple before he stepped away, clapping his hands together. “I say we all sit down together tonight and have a family dinner. What’d you guys think?”
“That sounds good to me,” Mark nodded. “I’m hungry.”
“Man, you’re always hungry.”
“Growing men got to eat.”
“Yeah, but you’re growing out, not up.”
“You be quiet about my man, Elias,” Debra pointed at him. “You don’t have to be rude to him all the time just because he’s better-looking than you.”
“You’re jealous that your husband’s prettier than you.”
“If you two are done complimenting each other,” Lyla interrupted with a smile, “Noah might want some help to his room.”
“I’m going to go buy a spiral ham.” Elias rubbed his stomach. “Mark, you and your bodyguard can help Noah up the stairs.”
“I’m not letting you pick the ham by yourself,” Mark shook his head. “The last one you picked looked like it had fought a boxing match with Mike Tyson. I’m coming with you,” he shot a look at his wife when she glared at him, “and so is Debra.”
“Then who will…”
“I’ll help him,” Lyla cleared her throat. “You guys do whatever it is that makes you feel macho. I’m sure Debra will make sure we get a good ham.”
“You know it. Come on, Boys.”
Seconds later, Elias’s truck pulled away from the curb, and she shut the door. She came back into the living room to find it empty. Frowning, she stepped back into the foyer. “Noah, where did you go?” She ducked into the hallway, eyes widening at spotting him on the stairs. “What in the world are you doing?” She rushed up the steps to his side. “I said I’d help you.”
“I don’t need the help.”
She could see he was already sweating from exertion, hands on the rails at either side of him. “The way your body is reacting, I’d say you do.”
“My body? What-” He tossed a glare at her from over his shoulder. “My body is fine. Don’t touch me.”
